The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.

— Victor Hugo-

Erin's attention turned towards the hospital bed as Dave's hand pulled weakly on hers, while the other tried to swat the oxygen mask away. "You're alright, David," she ordered authoritatively. "Calm down." She reached down and brushed the hair from his face.

Comforted by her voice, he turned his cheek into her palm, relishing in the warmth of the familiar touch. She ran her fingers through his hair and hit the call button, summoning a voice from the nurse's station.

"Can I help you?"

"He's responding to my voice."

"A nurse will be with you shortly," the voice delivered crisply.

A minute later a nurse appeared with a chart in her hands. With quick precision, she began her assessment by checking vital signs and the EEG report. Pulling out a small light, she opened one of Dave's eyelids and shone the light toward his pupil.

"Mr. Rossi," the nurse called out, "can you hear me?" Dave's chin lifted to confirm the request. "Good. Do you know where you are?" He grasped for the oxygen mask in an attempt to remove it. "Can you open your eyes?"

Dave tried but gave up. They were too heavy, all he could see was darkness. He could feel what little strength he had begin to fade. His head lolled to one side, all he wanted to do was sleep. He made a noise in his throat that was muffled by the oxygen mask.

Erin leaned in close to make out the sound. "What did you say?" she asked as she held tight to Dave's hand. Both women tuned their ears to nothing but Dave.

"Hospital?" he repeated to be heard.

"That's right, " the nurse said with a proud smile. "You're going to be okay. The drugs are slowly wearing off and you'll be able to open your eyes. So just rest now while you can."

"Thanks," Erin said. Despite being tough as nails, she felt overwhelmed by the moment.

"We'll be back in an hour to check on him. Just keep him calm," the nurse instructed as she quickly jotted down the notes on the patient sheet. Snapping the clipboard shut, she smiled at Erin, then turned on her heel to depart the small room.

Hearing the door close soundly, Erin blindly felt for the chair behind her. Her knees were suddenly the consistency of jello, and she was afraid of falling down. Settled in, she held fast to Dave's hand.

"Did you hear that, you arrogant bastard?" she asked thickly. Her eyes were blinded by tears, but she didn't need to see to press a kiss to the back of Dave's cold hand. "You're going to live. But don't think there isn't going to be hell to pay for this stunt. We're going to talk when you get better," and that was a promise.

She awoke with a start, her heart slammed in her chest as panic overwhelmed her senses. For an all too brief moment she forgot where she was and why. One look towards Dave's bed and her memory came back. Someone has covered her with a blanket, a quilt that didn't come from the hospital. Cracking her neck, how could something that look so soft be so rough to sleep on? She wondered. Taking in her surroundings she noticed a paper bag next to the recliner she was seated in and her curiosity peaked. She reached inside and her fingers wrapped around a piece of paper and she pulled it out. Unfolding it She read the unfamiliar handwriting,
Dear Boss Lady,
Low key isn't my style but I found this at Rossi's when we were getting his clothes and I thought you might need it back. His things are in another bag by the nightstand. We're all here for you when you're ready to let us in.
-Penelope P.S. You're phone is charging next to you.
P.P.S. I threw in a few extras.

Erin chuckled slightly at the greeting and sat the note on the table next to her phone. She went back to inspecting the contents of the bag, a small make-up case with a tube of light pink lipstick, mascara, a toothbrush and a travel size tube of Colgate sat on top with a hairbrush. Pulling it out she noticed a familiar pink dress and smiled as she studied the fabric; memories of her and Dave's first real date came rushing back.

When the waitress had accidentally sloshed Merlot all over her and he promised to get the stains out; she wore his button down shirt and a shrunken pair of jeans home that day and forgot all about the dress. Setting it on her lap she caught sight of another note wrapped in the hem; in Penelope's scrawl. Extras. Thought you might like to dress up before your Prince Charming wakes up.
Intrigued Erin reached in again into her own personal Barney Bag that seemed to be filled to the brim. Her fingers skidded across the paper bottom and came up with a soft pink colored ballet flat that matched the dress.
She cast another look at Dave, he was sleeping soundly, the steady rise and fall of his chest was a lasting comfort and she pressed a kiss to his forehead. "You have great friends." A muffled sound groaned low in his throat but it was stronger than before. Erin's heart squeezed in her chest and she fought to hear him. "What is it, Dave?"
"So do you," he rasped against the mask and his hand twitched toward hers. His eyes opened just enough to give him a look at her face. "I knew they'd come. I knew they'd take care of you."

"I'm going to call the nurse now." She said her voice shook slightly at the thought of anyone besides Dave 'taking care of her.' Trying to bring him comfort, she gave his hand a squeeze.
"Not-not just yet." He said as his strength began to fade. "I have something to say."
"It can wait," she argued and reached for the call light. They needed to talk but he needed to heal before they could discuss anything. She needed him to heal. Between her car accident and now, Dave's heart attack she wasn't about to put more strain on them to assuage her own guilt. It would wait.
"I love you, Erin."
The statement, delivered in one short breath, shook her to her core. Her hand went to his hair, " Don't talk like you're dying-" She said harshly and her voice shook. "That sounds like famous last words."

"I need you to marry me."
"Now I know you need the nurse." She hit the call light and spoke into the intercom, "he's awake and delusional."
She didn't miss the grin that spread over his face. "I'm delusional, but you didn't say no."

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